Like many backpackers, Kate Griffin and Ford Collier bought a well-used campervan upon arrival in NZ, a Nissan diesel with a lot of miles on the clock.Unlike most backpackers, the critically acclaimed global folk duo have punctuated their trip around the country by performing live shows, from Kumeū in the north, to Invercargill, and this Friday they bring the show to Ōamaru.Griffin and Collier formed Mishra at university in Sheffield in 2018 and recorded their debut album, The Loft Tapes, a collection of Indian-influenced original music, the same year. The recording was funded after the band won the Cambridge Folk Festival’s first ever Christian Raphael prize, given to bands who deserve a hand in taking things to the next level.A second album, Reclaim, followed in 2021, with Mojo magazine proclaiming: "It’s impossible to question the compelling tune-making at the heart of Mishra", while respected folk music magazine Songlines referred to Mishra's music as "An airborne amalgam of cross-continental pollinations".Mishra often record and perform as a quintet, but for the NZ tour it's the core duo of Griffin and Collier, with the former on vocals, dobro and banjo (she's described as "one of the top banjo players in the country" by fellow virtuoso Dan Walsh), and Collier on low whistle, calabash/percussion and guitar.It all comes together in an almost mystical marriage of Celtic folk, Americana, Indian classical music, soul and jazz, a sound that's as spellbinding as it is unique.Mishra will perform at the Grainstore Gallery on Harbour Street tomorrow (Friday, February 23). Tickets are $20 from Under The Radar, or $25 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm, and the show begins at 8pm.They're also selling their van. So say hello if you're interested. 

Waitaki welcomed 14 new New Zealand citizens at a ceremony on Tuesday this week.Hailing from The Phillipines, South Africa, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ukraine, India and Malaysia – the first citizenship ceremony of 2024 highlighted the diversity of our region.Students from Ōamaru Intermediate School’s Pasifika group welcomed the new citizens and their families and friends with waiata.The ceremony was led by Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher and Deputy Mayor Hana Halalele, who were assisted by Waitaki District Councillors Jim Hopkins, John McCone and Rebecca Ryan.The new citizens took an oath or affirmation of allegiance, and were presented with a citizenship pack and a native hebe plant.A welcome video from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro was screened, before the intermediate pupils and those present sang the national anthem.“These ceremonies are truly special occasions and it’s a huge privilege to be part of such a significant time in people’s lives,” Gary said.“I’m proud to show just how welcoming our country is to those who come to live here. Choosing to become a New Zealand citizen is something we should all celebrate.”An afternoon tea completed the welcome for the new Kiwis.The new citizens are: Rica Oblad Esdrelon, Curtney Mari Oblad Esdrelon, Conrad Mari Oblad Esdrelon, and Marvin Gurrea Esdrelon (Phillipines), Michael Glen Kaiser, Erica Jane Kaiser and Peter Wolfgang Kaiser (South Africa), Gerardus Petrus Johannes Levering (Netherlands); Shannon Lee Purcell (United Kingdom); Tanya Melissa Ribbens (Belgium); Alice Rebecca Sandlermann (Ukraine), Dinesh Sreekumar and Sneha Soman (India), and Jeriel Chenhui Tee (Malaysia).

It was a golden week for Oamaru Rowing Club last week, with medal success at the National Rowing Championships in Cambridge.The club sent 24 secondary school rowers from St Kevin’s College, Waitaki Girls’ and Waitaki Boys’ high schools to the Lake Karapiro regatta, which wrapped up with the final day on Saturday (February 17).The club brought home two golds, two silver and one bronze, which head coach Ivan Docherty said is an “outstanding achievement” from the squad “who all stepped up at a national level”.The pairing of Ned Newlands-Carter (WBHS) and Kouper Lynch (St Kevin’s) managed to nab a gold in the final of the men’s novice double, after making a move on the other crews at the 1500m mark, which Ivan describes as a “master stroke” in the 2000m race.The two boys then joined Jakob Rohrbach and Louis Belt (both WBHS) with coxswain Payton Dickson (St Kevin’s) to also take gold in the men’s novice coxed four before combining with Petone Rowing Club to make up a novice eight, where they managed to win silver in a close-fought race, Ivan said.Eighteen-year-old Emma Spittle (WGHS), who made the Under-18 South Island squad last season, managed to nab bronze in the women’s club single, and placed fifth in the U22 women’s single - setting her up nicely for a medal chance in her age group at the South Island and National Secondary Schools Championships (Maadi Cup) next month.One of the two women’s novice coxed fours of Bridget Spittle (WGHS), Hanna Strachen (WGHS), Hannah Burke (St Kevin’s) and Marei Grebe (St Kevin’s) coxed by Henry Robinson (St Kevin’s) managed a “well-deserved” silver, while their squad mates Kayleigh Lucey (St Kevin’s) Indeg Jones-Hogan (St Kevin’s), Tessa Wright (WGHS) and Emily Wainwright (WGHS) with Payton as cox, placed a credible seventh in the same final.Overall, eleven crews made A finals, and three made B finals.“A great regatta for our young rowers,” Ivan said.“The team now re-group as we train towards South Island Secondary Schools Championships on March 1-3 and Maadi Cup on March 18-23,” he said.Ned Newlands-Carter, Kouper Lynch and coach Ivan Docherty celebrate gold in the men's novice double at the National Rowing Championships at the weekend. Photo: Supplied

Three days out from the Plunket Electrical 161st North Otago A&P Show, secretary Katrina Kelly is fielding constant phone calls, directing helpers, and worries that she hasn’t sent the catalogue to the printers yet.But a lot can happen in three days, and everything will come together again for Saturday's show, just like it has for the past 160.This year, the “Under the Grandstand” entries are unprecedented, with more than 3,300 home industry and school exhibits, she says.“It’s up considerably in the adults’ . . .  Go and have a look underneath the grandstand, because at the moment it’s looking absolutely amazing.”There had been a push on to increase the craft entries, and Katrina thinks the high interest in the home industry sections is a reflection of people returning to more traditional past-times like preserving fruit and growing their own vegetables. “That's probably the most vegetables and fruit that I've ever seen . . . so hopefully they come in - because they all come in on Friday. So, I'm pretty excited and it looks really good under there, which is cool.”Outside in the showgrounds, South Suffolk is the featured sheep breed, with 72 entries.“Last year we had 80 sheep in total,” Katrina says. “This year we’ve got 212.”South Suffolk are farmed by A&P Association president Mark Lawrence, and he is behind organising that part of the show.“It's a real sheep sort of focus this year because we've got dog trial demonstrations and sheep shearing demonstrations happening three times over the day for each of them, because people don't get to see that normally at this show,” Katrina says.A focus remains on the day being fun and affordable for the whole family. Entry is $10 for adults, and children are free. There is also a tonne of free activities for the kids once they’re inside.Entertainers Mulletman and Mim will be performing throughout the day with three shows, the PGG tent returns, as does the North Otago Toy Library, House of Bricks and Pedalmania. “There's a treasure hunt, there's the AgriKids Challenge and the animal obstacle course,” Katrina says. “The whole focus, I think, is that we realise times are tough . . . We want people to come in and have a good time, but not have to spend a massive fortune.”Katrina is excited about this year’s show, and she credits her small but mighty committee for helping bring it all together.“We're only tiny, but they've done an amazing job. We've got an amazing group of people.”This year, the lucky gate prize, drawn at 3.30pm, is a $500 New World voucher, donated by Plunket Electrical, and you have to be at the show and have programme in hand when it is drawn, to win.Just a taster of the art entries in the Under the Grandstand section of the show.

Functional fungi are the hot new thing in health and wellness circles. Many would say all fungi are functional, but in this case it refers to mushroom powders and supplements which some believe have a huge variety of benefits. In this episode of Healthy or Hoax, host Stacey Morrison investigates functional fungi.Listen to Healthy or Hoax with Stacey MorrisonThere are plenty of New Zealand-based companies getting in on the mushroom supplements game, offering products that claim to boost gut health and immune support, increase oxygen uptake and ease fatigue, and improve heart health and sleeplessness.To find out more about fungi in general, Healthy or Hoax producer Liz Garton attended the annual fungal foray to talk to some mushroom enthusiasts, including Bevan Weir, research leader in mycology and bacteriology at Maanaki Whenua / Landcare Research.Bevan Weir, research leader in mycology and bacteriology at Maanaki Whenua / Landcare Research. Photo: Bevan Weir via RNZWeir says there is no strong evidence for many of the claims around fungi supplements having amazing healing powers."But there's a lot of active research going on, so yeah, there's there's always the possibility," he says.Weir says even if you take out the unproven health benefits, mushrooms are good for you, especially if you're using them in place of meat products with high levels of cholesterol and animal fats."We really don't know if you're thinking about any sort of like specific activity, but I think mushrooms in general are just a really great thing."If you can build it into meals and eat it and if it has some great effects as well, that's just a bonus."Alexander James Bradshaw from the Natural History Museum of Utah, who was in Aotearoa doing postdoctoral research, also attended the foray.He says it's likely there are many medicinal compounds in a wide variety of different mushrooms. Lion's Mane mushrooms, for example contain chemical compounds called hericenones and erinacines."They are starting to come out in the literature as possibly being neurotropic, so actually having the ability to make healthier brain connections," he says.Fungal Foray, 2023 in Maungatautari / Sanctuary Mountain. Photo: RNZBut he warns that the research is in its infancy. And although many companies are already capitalising on the early findings, their claims should always be taken with a grain of salt."My biggest problem with many of [the supplements] is that they are often sold as panacea."Dr Michael Howard practices emergency medicine in Northland and has a PhD in microbiology and immunology. He hopes that the folklore around mushrooms will soon be proven by science."Practicing in New Zealand, I've been impressed at the knowledge of your local providers."There is every month coming out another article that has scientific basis and is talking about the use of these things, particularly as an adjunct to cancer therapies and they're finding them to be safe and healthy and helpful in those situations. So I'd encourage people to talk to their doctor," he says.Unless they have been cut unethically with something dangerous, mushroom supplements are unlikely to he harmful, Bradshaw says."At minimum. I don't think anyone is going to be hurt by them."In the name of science, Stacey decided to try Flow State Lion’s Mane capsules ($55 for 120 capsules), which claim to provide brain health support.She took one capsule every morning, which made her feel more alert. Could this just be the placebo effect?Professor Clare Wall, head of the department of nutrition and dietetics at the University of Auckland, agrees the placebo effect can be super powerful."They say around 17 percent effect, actually. I mean, maybe it has given you some benefits, you know, whether that be placebo or active," she says.Looking at fungi as a whole food, Wall is a fan."Mushrooms have got a great nutritional profile so they give you a good bang for your buck," Wall says."They're very low in energy and quite a lot of them that provide lots of nutrients. They've also got some very strong antioxidant properties as well."Professor Clare Wall. Photo: Supplied via RNZHistorically there have been lots of studies looking at the nutritional benefits of mushrooms and population studies looking at groups that culturally consume mushrooms regularly. Some show that populations that consume more mushrooms in their diet have reduced risk of certain types of cancers, particularly breast cancer and also some neurodegenerative disorders."But we can't say yes, if you eat mushrooms, you are definitely going to reduce your risk of getting cancer or you're definitely going to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer's, because those studies can't give us causality," Wall says.She has only seen small trials done into mushroom-type supplements versus placebo and looking at the impact on some immune markers and anti-inflammatory markers rather than any long-term trials where those supplements have been used to demonstrate reduction of risk of cancer, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases."Often the the claims are what we call quite soft," Wall says."So they're saying that this product contains a substance that's found in mushrooms that has been shown to be beneficial for your health. But they’re not actually saying, 'if you take this supplement every day, you are definitely going to reduce your risk of getting neurodegenerative disease or you're definitely going to be sharper and you can perform better'. There's no direct association. They shouldn't be making that kind of claim."Mushrooms are a versatile and nutrient rich option, according to Dr Clare Wall. Photo: RNZIf you do want to add fungi to your diet, Wall says the literature suggests the antioxidant levels are higher in raw form."Apparently grilling is the most effective way of retaining them. And the longer you cook them for and the more water they're exposed to, then the more likely the reduction in the antioxidant properties. But they still do retain some of the antioxidant properties."The concentration of antioxidants varies greatly, depending on the type, how they're grown and when they're harvested, she says.Wall's final advice on mushroom supplements is simple: "first do no harm.""If it benefits you, that's fine. If it doesn't, it's kind of a waste of money. But as long as it's not going to do you any harm, that's the most important thing."She herself would not take supplements."For me there's no convincing evidence for me to take them. I'd rather eat them in their whole form."

The Waitaki District Youth Council engaged in some sanctioned vandalism on Monday, adding their own improvements to the Harbourside Gardens upgrade.The under-appreciated gardens alongside the Ōamaru Creek have been given some extra TLC lately, with local artist Wicksey contributing his time and talent to deliver an “Ōamaru” mural. The seating area and pergola have also received a lick of paint, and as a finishing touch, a series of messages were added yesterday by the 2024 Youth Council, to the community. The messages are written on the benches and allocated spots on the mural, and have been future-proofed with a coat of varnish.The Youth Council has a budget for community improvements, and were also behind the addition of the colourful multicultural welcome messages to the Waitaki District Council steps on Thames Street.Also at the Harbourside Gardens, the teens hope to create an Instagram-able space to encourage locals and tourists to share their love of the place.Waitaki Girls’ High School pupil and 2024 Youth Council chair Sophie Notman said the Ōamaru mural is a great way to highlight different aspects of the community.“Everyone in Ōamaru can relate to one or more of the words written on the cool mural,” she said.“Huge thanks to Wicksey for taking on this project, it has brightened up the once-dull space. It is now a great attraction and space for locals and tourists to hang out.”Waitaki District Councillor Rebecca Ryan said the project is a great way to start the year for the new Youth Council, “bringing some vibrancy to an area of town that might not be as appreciated as it could be”. “The 2023 Youth Council started this project, and the 2024 Youth Council is finishing it – it shows a nice continuity for their work,” she said.Matthew Wicks offers some guidance as to where the teens should "tag" his Ōamaru mural.

Coastal erosion has skyrocketed as an environmental concern for Waitaki residents, according to the latest Otago Regional Council community survey.The results of a survey of more than 1100 people across the Otago, have been released by the ORC.The percentage of Waitaki residents in the 2023 ORC community survey most concerned about coastal erosion has jumped from 7% in 2022 to 22% last year. Waitaki bucks the trend in comparison with the rest of Otago, where residents are less concerned about erosion than they were in 2022, and the overall percentage of those most concerned by coastal erosion sits at 9%.Water quality remains the most concerning overall for Otago residents - at 39%, and the Waitaki reflects this at 38% (although this is down significantly from 49% in 2022).Climate change rounds out the top three, with 14% of Waitaki respondents listing this as their top concern - an increase of 3% from 2022.Overall, climate change sat at most concerning for 18% of Otago respondents, an increase of 4%.Last year’s sample size was reduced from 1700 (in 2021 and 2022) to 1100 last year as a cost savings measure, to ensure the project could be delivered for the allocated budget. This meant the sample size in the Waitaki district went from 300 to 190 participants.Council chairperson Gretchen Robertson expressed thanks to those who took time to complete the survey, saying their input is crucial to its planning processes.“These are changing times in the environmental space and it’s of huge importance to us that we get a clear steer from people across the region on what is of most significant concern to them,” she said.Gretchen highlighted the increasing concern about climate change this year, with key concerns around the impact on the broader environment, the issue’s urgency and the fact that actions have a global effect and are not simply a regional impact.The survey results are “very timely” now that engagement is underway with ministers of the new coalition Government, she said.“The results reflect the issues of concern that Otago’s communities want to see targeted and addressed.”The council engaged with numerous Government ministers last week, and Gretchen acknowledged changes are expected, but she emphasised details on changes or any pause in regulations may take months to finalise, and then further time to implement.“Many people will find this frustrating. But at the forefront of these changes must be the protections around the environment, be it waterways, land use or air quality which we all must share, but equally take responsibility for.”This year 19% of respondents rated ORC’s response to the environmental issue they identified as excellent, 40% rated it as average, and 26% rated the response poorly.“This set of results show a significant, 5% increase in positive ratings from a year ago and a big decline in poor ratings, which were down by 4%,” she said.“While we can take heart from these positive improvements, we’re striving every year to improve results and outcomes, which means staff and councillors working more and more closely with communities to protect and enhance the environment.“This is a shared responsibility.”She “entirely endorses” recommendations from the survey, around a continued focus on water quality and climate change initiatives, and that there be targeted communication and engagement strategies in place and an ongoing focus to improve public transport services.While a significant proportion of respondents consistently note that water quality in the region is deteriorating, most respondents stated air quality, land-based environments and coastal resources remain unchanged or are improving.“As custodians of the environment, ORC’s staff and councillors have a big role to fulfil in not only protecting but enhancing the environment for everyone, whether they are using resources recreationally or as an input toward an economic benefit,” she said.Over three weeks, from October 30 last year, 1102 people were surveyed using phone (30%) and on-line (70%) survey techniques, from Waitaki (190), Central Otago (190) and Queenstown (190), Dunedin (342) and Clutha (190).Responders were chosen at random - 53% were female and 47% male, with 24% aged under 39, 46% were 40-64 and 35% were over 65 years old.The survey is publicly available on the Otago Regional Council website in the agenda for the Regional Leadership Committee meeting in Ōamaru tomorrow (Wednesday, February 21).

Scrapping the new Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will leave thousands of New Zealanders exposed to ongoing harm from dodgy medical devices, warn patient safety advocates and legal experts.The Act - which was due to come into force in 2026 - would have modernised the regulation of medicines and natural health products, and made medical devices (as well as cell, gene and tissue therapies) subject to a similar regulatory regime as drugs.The industry has backed the move saying the new law was heavy handed and would stop people getting access to the latest life-saving technological advances.However, Auckland woman Carmel Berry - who was left in constant knife-like pain from plastic mesh implanted during surgery - said she was "living proof" of the old system's failures.It took more than 10 years of lobbying by her and the other founders of Mesh Downunder to get authorities to take action - a decade in which hundreds of other people were injured.She is horrified that the TPA - which was only signed into law last July - is on the chopping block.Beginning work to repeal it was number 47 out of 49 points on the government's to-do list for its first 100 days."I'm horrified. After so many years of developing and rewriting the act and getting it through ... shame on them."The Ministry of Health last year paused the use of surgical mesh to fix incontinence until safeguards are in place, including a register and more training for surgeons.But Berry said there was now nothing to stop another tragedy like mesh, which has so far cost ACC more than $32.5m in claims."Manufacturers took advantage of gynaecologists, in particular, but also urogynaecologists and urologists and brought their product to market without any human testing, no clinical trials."And that just can't happen any more."Consumer Advocacy Alliance spokeswoman Charlotte Korte, who helped found Mesh Down Under, said faulty pacemakers, metal-on-metal artificial joints, contraceptives and breast implants were among dangerous or deadly medical implants used on New Zealand patients over the years."Our regulation is absolutely appalling and our harm reporting is the same."So we can't identify harmful products, or processes or devices."Health law expert Laura Hardcastle, from Bell Gully, said the 1981 Medicines Act was more than 40 years old and predated most medical technology now in use."This means medical devices are largely largely unregulated."They have to be registered with Medsafe via an online database, but there is no pre-market assessment.Furthermore, there is no formal requirement for "untoward events" involving medical devices to be reported.Major attempts to fix the Medicines Act dated back to the early 2000s, Hardcastle said."There's been a lot of criticism of the Act over the years, it's out-of-date and no longer fit for purpose."Moreover, as medical technology advances, those gaps are only going to get worse."New regulations were needed."Whether that's more targeted reform of elements of the Medicines Act as it stands, or a statute focusing on medical devices or something else, the reasons for the reform would still seem to be there."So it's just a question of when and what comes next."The medical devices market - which covers everything from bandages to surgical robots - is worth more than $1.8 billion dollars a year in New Zealand.Medical Technology Association chief executive Cushla Smyth said the new law would have caused long delays for patients in accessing medical breakthroughs."The TPA was regulatory over-reach and would have created unnecessary bureaucracy for no real gain because most of those products have already got approval."Medical devices should not be subjected to the same kind of clinical trials as medicines, she said."You can't have blind randomised controlled trials - it would not be ethical for instance to put a placebo pacemaker in a patient."In the case of surgical mesh, it was not the product that was faulty but deficiencies in surgical training and technique that were to blame for the harm done, Smyth said.Under the TPA, suppliers would have had to provide a level of detail and documentation not required by any other regulator in the world, she said."We're a small market, it just would not be worth it for some ..."So what we're asking for is light touch system that recognises those overseas approvals and is harmonised with other trusted regulators around the world, like the US FDA [Food and Drug Administration] and Australia's TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration]."Dr Hardcastle agreed most of New Zealand's medical devices were imported and already been through approval processes, so it was important to consider what to do with that information.However, the US Food and Drug Administration had been criticised over fast-track approvals that did not require extensive clinical trials."There's certainly been a lot of controversy over the US FDA regulatory approaches."Most devices in the US are licensed on the basis that they are similar to a previous model - under the so-called 510(k) process in the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.This "premarket notification" was a concession to the industry, which argued it would stifle innovation if they had to go through the more intensive (and costly) "premarket approval process" every time they made a slight improvement to a device."This, in particular, has been the subject of quite a lot of debate and criticism because it doesn't apply necessarily that same degree of rigour as you might see for products that don't have that same comparison to earlier products."They go through something called the premarket approval, which tends to be more rigorous ... although that process has also been subject to criticism."Critics have pointed out that in practice this has meant some devices have been licensed even though the original model was withdrawn from market because it has been shown to be ineffective or even harmful.The Ministry of Health said if the TPA was repealed, medicines and medical devices would continue to be regulated under the 1981 Medicines Act.

The public are being encouraged to attend two Otago Regional Council (ORC) meetings in Ōamaru this week.This Wednesday ORC has a full council meeting and also a Regional Leadership Committee meeting in Oamaru, followed by councillor field visits the next day.Council chairperson Gretchen Robertson said there is a diverse range of subjects being considered at the meetings which will give people a good idea of the wide-range of environmental work the council undertakes for communities. It will also be a great opportunity for the councillors to get an understanding of the issues and opportunities facing the North Otago region, and see the work being done by those who give a huge amount to the community and environment and who can share a unique North Otago (and environs) perspective. The Regional Leadership Committee meeting is at the Waitaki District Council chambers from 10.30am to noon, followed by the full council meeting from 1pm-5pm. Full details of the meetings’ agendas are publicly available, but Gretchen said some of the topics will include the Land and Water Regional Plan, and ongoing discussions about ORC’s long-term plan development and funding and financing policy review.The main council meeting will start with a public forum. Those scheduled to make presentations include a group from Waitaki District Enviroschools programme, Gretchen said. On Thursday, councillors have been invited to field visits, including being hosted by the North Otago Irrigation Company, and briefings from ORC staff on work being done around the Kakanui River.

Coastal Waitaki has moved to a prohibited fire season this morning (Monday, 19 February), until further notice.This means no outdoor fires are allowed.Declaring the fire season change, Fire and Emergency Otago district manager Phil Marsh said there is a great deal of very dry vegetation in the zone already which is a significant fire risk."Westerly winds are forecast for the remainder of summer and into autumn for Coastal Waitaki, which will further dry out the vegetation," he said."That increases the likelihood of a fire starting and rapidly becoming difficult to control."Coastal Waitaki has several areas of higher fire risk - rural properties on the edge of towns where the potential for fires to start and spread to adjacent properties is very high, like the outskirts of Ōamaru, Shag Point and Moeraki, Phil said."We also have several areas of forestry which would be a challenge for ground-based response to a wildfire."If there’s a fire, our crews will always respond. But we’d like to reduce the likelihood of that happening.People are being asked not to carry out activities that pose a fire risk, such as mowing, welding, and driving through long grass."But if you must mow your lawn or undertake any farm activity that’s likely to generate sparks, do it first thing in the morning when it is still cool," he said.People can also take simple steps to make their properties easier to defend against fire.This includes:Clearing flammable material from 10m around homes and buildings.Moving firewood stacked against housesClearing gutters of dried leaves etc that will easily catch fireClearing flammable material from under decksTrimming trees and bushes and removing the trimmingsKeeping grass short (using a trimmer with a nylon line is safer in these conditions than a mower or trimmer with a metal blade that could create a spark)Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for further tips on how to stay fire safe.

The pride far outweighs the stress and grey hairs that 2023 brought her, Musical Theatre Ōamaru (MTO) president Melissa Yockney says, after receiving five awards at the weekend.On Saturday night, the Otago Southland Theatre Awards (OSTAs) were held in Ōamaru, with the spotlight fully on November’s production of That Bloody Woman.About 50 of the MTO cast and crew were in a crowd of 240, from across Otago and Southland, who gathered to celebrate the 10th annual OSTAs. Melissa said even just receiving 18 nominations for the two major shows MTO produced last year, was “awesome”, but to win was the “icing on the cake”.That Bloody Woman was nominated for eleven awards, and School of Rock for seven, but in the end it was the punk rock musical about New Zealand women earning the right to vote, which hit the right note with the judges, winning the coveted Best Overall Production award. Lead Krissy McGeown, who was faultless as women's rights activist Kate Sheppard, was rewarded with Best Lead Female in a Musical.Andrew Potvin won Best Director, Alan Rakiraki won Best Musical Direction, and the show also won Best Lighting and Visual Augmentation.In her acceptance speech on the night, Melissa thanked the MTO “family” for an amazing year.“Stressed does not begin to cover how I felt all year, but being proud of what we achieved far outweighs that stress, and makes up for the many grey hairs I gained,” she said.“This show was something pretty damn special. I’m pretty sure Kate would be as proud of how we told her story as I am.”Melissa said when the MTO received its nominations in December for both of its 2023 productions everyone was “absolutely delighted”. It was the first time the organisation had put a major show on stage since Mamma Mia in 2018. “To then receive five awards, including the big ones . . . was just the icing on the cake of a very big, but very rewarding year for Musical Theatre Oamaru.” Knowing the awards were chosen by judges who follow strict marking criteria and “know” theatre, made them even more special, she said.“They live and breathe it, and travel thousands of kilometres around our zone to attend all the shows, and it's an honour to receive these awards from them. “There is such a high calibre of talent in the Otago/Southland region, and as a small town we punch well above our weight,” she said.As well as to everyone who had been involved in both School of Rock and That Bloody Woman, Melissa also offered a “huge thank you” to the people who attended the productions. “We literally couldn't do it if it weren't for the support of the attendees.” If you want to see a number of the performers from That Bloody Woman back on stage at the Ōamaru Opera House, tickets for Broadway on Thames - a concert of popular Broadway songs - are now available.The show runs for two nights, starting on Saturday, March 2. Tickets can be purchased from the Oamaru Opera House box office or online.

School’s back, and now Ardgowan pupils can get themselves there safely.Plans for the walk/cycle path between Ardgowan School and Ōamaru’s Eden Street were given the green light by the Waitaki District Council in December last year, and work on the raised, graded, corner-barriered route began in early this year.Ardgowan School principal Ryan Fraser said being able to bike and walk to school was a positive for the children’s independence, as well as their health and fitness.“We have families dropping kids off at the start of the track, and parents and preschoolers riding with their kids to school and then cycling home,” he said. “We’re also using it to access the reservoir for our school’s pest trapping project.”Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said it is great to hear positive feedback about the immediate impact the path is having.“I think that’ll grow as more kids see it’s a fun way to get to school. “It’s something the community wanted, and we have provided, so it’s great to hear from kids, parents and other people who are already using the path.“Separating the walkers and cyclists like we have makes it safe for them, and for drivers on the road. The council will be working with the school to ensure the kids are safe cyclists, and keep an eye out for property owners who have the new path running past their driveways, Gary said.

A catchment action plan is expected to be ready soon for the next phase of the Toitū Te Hakapupu – Pleasant River restoration project in East Otago – which has already received strong community and rūnaka support. Toitū Te Hakapupu is a four-year partnership project between Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, focussed on improving the health of the wai (water) in East Otago's Pleasant River catchment, encompassing Pleasant River, Trotters Creek, Watkin Creek, and the coastal estuary. The project, which is now well underway, is funded by ORC and the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) Essential Freshwater Fund through the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme (to create jobs while enhancing nature). The $5.2m restoration project consists of $786,000 of funding from ORC, supported by nearly $4m from MfE, as well as a contribution, by landowners, of 25% of the total work being completed on their land. “This is a journey to create a catchment action plan that will inspire the community to sustain the awa (river) and we’re excited to partner with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and work in collaboration with East Otago Catchment Group and the community,” ORC project delivery specialist Melanie White said. “We’re close to having a first draft of the catchment action plan ready to share with the community early in 2024.” The action plan will take the form of a “living document” with a survey to collect further thoughts and ideas around the plan, she says. Three of the project’s three main actions are:To develop a Catchment Action Plan to help guide the community at the completion of the project, to continue to improve water quality and biodiversity in the catchment for years to comeConstruction of up to 60 kilometres of fencing to exclude stock from waterways; andPlanting of up to 100,000 native plants to reduce sediment loss into the rivers and to increase biodiversity. Work on the project to dateSeveral hui and workshops have been held over the past 18 months to introduce landowners and other community members to the project, outline what it seeks to achieve, and ask the community for ideas andinput to prioritise issues and actions. “There has been great interest and attendance from the local rūnaka and community to come and share their thoughts and feedback,” Melanie said. Opportunities were identified for scientific monitoring, planting days and surveys and the feedback at each of the sessions has also helped guide the project team in their efforts. Two such workshops were structured around the development of the action plan for Te Hakapupu/Pleasant River.The first was to identify issues and challenges the catchment faced, what is important for management of the catchment, and what the community thought the catchment should be like for future generations. The second workshop built upon this vision for the catchment and focussed on identifying actions that would help address the problems identified while also meeting values and goals for the catchment. Locations for these actions were also discussed and lists made of groups and organisations that could help achieve them.One of the community meetings held in Waikouaiti last yearWork well underway“While the greater community have been very forthcoming with ideas and thoughts, helping with community monitoring and exploring the science behind this project, landowners have been equally supportive and keen to do their part to improve the health of Te Hakapupu,” Melanie said. In 2022, a lot of the project team’s time was spent contacting landowners, community, suppliers, spreading the word on the project and its goals, and building strong relationships with project partner Kāti HuirapaRūnaka ki Puketeraki, East Otago Catchment Group and technical specialist, Ahikā Consulting. “During 2023 a lot of planning came to fruition, with work undertaken on 13 properties in the catchment this year. “About 4.5km of fencing has been constructed and over 22,000 trees planted, thanks to the Aukaha planting team and the community,” she said. Local landowner Daryl Watson said he is “really pleased” with how everything has gone so far. “The project staff have been very easy to work with and I’m excited to see greener and more biodiverse areas on our farm. As well as cleaner water and the repopulation of kōura/crayfish in our waterways for the next generations of my family to enjoy.” Melanie said the project team is excited at the prospect of doing even more this year. There is interest from 17 landowners so far for work on their property, and the project team is hoping to kick off the planting season earlier - either in May or June. “We’re blown away by how much the community has supported Toitū Te Hakapupu and there seem to be more and more landowners coming on board to do their bit all the time,” she said. Fencing and planting efforts in the catchment, including a floating fence (above) which allows water and debris to pass during a flood. Planting daysA community planting day was held in September, on landowner Steven Foote’s property at the corner of Jefferis Road and State Highway 1. This event kicked off the 2023 planting season and saw some of the first plants go in the ground as part of the project. More than 50 people attended and the community planted 1200 natives, contributing to the improvement of water quality in the area. On 11 October 2023, more than 30 year 5 and 6 students from Karitāne and Waikouaiti schools in East Otago took part in another Planting Day just North of Waikouaiti. A regionally significant wetland had been fenced off on a piece of private land to protect it from stock and the children helped plant over 100 native trees along the riverbank on this property. They also learnt about the health of the river from one of the ORC catchment advisors, Jack Mathieson, did some water quality testing, and saw some taoka (treasured) species in the riverincluding kōura (crayfish) and tuna (eels). The children also took part in a cultural health discussion with local rūnaka representative Julia Rata-Te Raki. The plants have been grown and supplied by Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki’s community nursery and Ribbonwood Nurseries in Dunedin, and include species such as coprosma, carex, harakeke (flax) and tī kōuka (cabbage tree). Cultural monitoringThe whānau from Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki have also been out in the catchment this year to undertake the first round of cultural health monitoring for the project. This monitoring will allow mana whenua to establish a baseline of the current health of the awa, identify areas where restoration can achieve the greatest improvement in cultural health, and track changes in the catchment over time. Six sites across the catchment, in addition to the three sites that have already been monitored in Watkin and Trotters Creeks through our work with Ngāi Tahu Forestry, will be looked at. Results from this monitoring will be available soon. Water quality monitoringAhikā Consulting is leading the technical work to assess water quality and support the rūnaka and community in setting visions and goals for the catchment and are behind the development of the catchment action plan with support from the community. The process of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis helps to measure the current water quality of the catchment by identifying what species are present in the catchment. In December 2022, eDNA analysis was performed at six sites by ORC, assisted by East Otago Catchment Group. Ahikā Consulting have summarised these findings (pictured below) as: Ten species of freshwater fish and seven estuarine/marine species were detected in the catchment.Three of the freshwater types are considered threatened. Four are considered mahika kai species.There is no evidence yet of the non-migratory types of galaxiids, which are becoming very rare throughout the country. If they do appear in future rounds of monitoring, options for their protection will be considered, as trout will eat them and compete with them for habitat.Forestry action planA Forestry Working Group has also been created to guide the development of a Forestry Action Plan, with the objective to have agreed sustainable forestry management practices that reduce the impactsof forest management on water quality, riparian margins and identified catchment values.  Forestry (pictured) is the predominant land use in Te Hakapupu catchment, so the plan is an important component of the overall restoration project. The first draft of a Forestry Action Plan will be ready to share with the community soon. You can find out more about the project on the Otago Regional Council website:  

Almost all Covid-19 cases in Aotearoa are now caused by the latest variant JN.1, according to the latest data, with an immunity expert saying it became the dominant strain "very rapidly".Immunisation Advisory Centre founder Dr Nikki Turner says the strain most likely arrived in October."It's only got a small single change in the spike protein, so it's very similar to previous ones. It's just become more dominant very rapidly."Dr Nikki Turner. Photo: RNZ/Angus DreaverDr Turner said the traditional vaccine was holding up well against the new strain, but an updated vaccine expected to arrive in a few weeks "closely matched" JN.1.Medsafe approved Pfizer's application for an updated shot for the XBB.1.5 strain in December and it will be available in time for the upcoming winter season."American data is showing the vaccine looks highly effective to the strain, so that's very reassuring," Dr Turner said.She said the new variant was slightly different to the previous one."We do have to remember about all vaccines with Covid, they're more effective against severe disease."So the vaccines are preventing a lot of severe disease."Dr Turner said mild disease was expected, even after getting vaccinated."But the vaccines are having a very good effect against hospitalisation," she said.She said the virus was spreading even though people had been spending a lot of time outside thanks to a warm summer."Even though we go outdoors, we do mix closely."We sit together in cars, we sit together and transport, we cuddle up in our barbecues and, you know, we hug."It's pretty easy to spread this little bug around."Dr Turner said vaccines offered the best form of protection."Particularly [for] people who at high risk, you really at this stage still need a vaccine every six months, six months since you had the disease or six months since you had a last vaccine."The elderly, people with medical issues, those concerned about getting severe flu or Covid symptoms should not delay getting the vaccine, she said.But Covid was not the only virus we needed to worry about, she said."Flu is nasty and it kills."She said most flu cases were in winter, but recently there had been some non-seasonal outbreaks.The new flu vaccine would be available in March.Dr Turner said it was essential people got it, especially because it was updated each year to match the variance.She said it was safe to get the Covid and the flu vaccine together."There is data to show that they are both effective if you have them at the same time. And I'd suggest to many people prior to winter, think about having both of the vaccines at the same time."

The Waitaki Resource Recovery Park is celebrating 20 years of converting trash to treasure this weekend.On Sunday (February 18) there will be a small celebration held at the park, with a sausage sizzle and ice-cream truck from 11am to 2pm, to celebrate 20 years of saving stuff from landfill, along with some giveaways.The Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust runs the park as a social enterprise, providing employment and opportunities for the community.Initial set-up costs of $20,000 were provided by the Otago Regional Council in 2003, along with $65,000 for the purchase of a baler which is still in use today.Manager Trish Hurley said there is a real sense of family amongst the team.“It’s an inclusive space where we all come together to help our community and environment and we’re all really proud of the work we do.”The MenzShed - a space for men who love to make stuff, and the garden corner for the green-fingered in the district, are also both on site.The purpose of the park is to divert as much waste as possible from landfill, either through recycling or repurposing, and in recent years it has had about an 85% success rate.All recycling collected from the district heads to the park, but it also accepts other items on-site, such as batteries, Tetrapak, soft plastics, lids, toothpaste tubes and polystyrene.Resaleable items are available for purchase in the on-site Get Sorted shop, while green waste is converted into mulch which is also available for sale.The park is self-funding with support from Waitaki District Council. Over the 20 years, it has had more than 1000 volunteers working onsite, many who went on to paid employment, while others benefitted from work experience and learning life skills.Operations have expanded operations over time too - the park began accepting green waste in 2005, rubbish for the landfill in 2006, it also changed to opening seven days a week for recycling, green waste and rubbish drop off.The development of garden corner in 2019 meant the park began recycling and selling plants, and the shop went from operating four days a week to seven, in 2020.Tying in with the 20-year celebrations, locals will also be able to pop down and have their say about the future of waste in the district, with council representatives at the park on Sunday.The council is in the process of consulting on its Waste Minimisation and Management Plan, which determines what waste solutions the district will focus on for the next six years. Last year Waitaki sent 9433 tonnes of waste to landfill - or around 386kg per person. A lot of that waste could be recycled, or reused, rather than being sent to landfill, and last year 2460 tonnes were diverted from the landfill to be recycled.

When you think of protein powder, your mind may automatically go to lifting weights and building bigger muscles, but Dr Andrew McLeod says a bit of extra protein can be beneficial for everyone. (10-minute read)Andrew’s new Ōamaru business McLeod Nutrition is the culmination of his extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry and his desire to offer nutritional solutions for the elderly and those with other health problems.“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to helping individuals who struggle with medical and nutritional problems. Finding a solution so people can be happy and healthy has always driven me,” he says. A former Waitaki Boys’ High School student, Andrew left Ōamaru after high school to study pharmacy at Otago University. He then completed a PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of California San Francisco, in the United States.“I was one of those kids that used to have a chemistry set that makes up potions, you know - nightmare-ish. I loved it.”The majority of his career, Andrew played a key role in research and development with Douglas Pharmaceuticals, in West Auckland.The company is behind the Clinicians and Phloe brands, as well as a large number of prescription medications.During the Covid-19 lockdowns Aucklanders were hit heavier than most, and Andrew and his wife Rangi bought a holiday home in Ōamaru to escape to. Last year they decided to move back permanently with their family - they have three children, aged 32, 22 and 12.Selling their house in Auckland freed up some money which allowed Andrew to set up his business here - manufacturing and selling whey protein concentrate and a prebiotic soluble fibre - Prebiolax.Interestingly, McLeod Nutrition products are targeted at pets, as well as humans.“Everybody can benefit from good nutrition when they’re ill,” he says.He describes his business model as slightly different. There is no physical store, although people can purchase his products online at mcleodnutrition.com, and his customer base is across New Zealand.“We just happen to be based in Oamaru, and that's a little bit unusual for people to get their heads around.“A lot of businesses here, a lot of them are supplying the rest of the country, they just happen to have their headquarters in Ōamaru, and so we thought, why not?“Ōamaru really punches above its weight. There’s an industry here that you would never know was doing it, and doing well here, they just quietly achieve, just get on and get the job done.”McLeod Nutrition customers are people (and pets) who are ill, the people who look after them - “so caregivers or pet owners, so it could be a person working at a rest home or it could be a person at home looking after a loved one who’s ill or old” - and also people who are trying to be proactive and prevent illness.Whey protein is a fast digesting protein source which contains branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), as well as cysteine - all of which help to build muscle, skin, hair and nails, and assist with wound healing.Andrew aims to soon have his products in Chemist Warehouse, and the company has just secured a contract with wholesale food provider Bidfood. He is also a supplier to Metlifecare, so McLeod Nutrition products are now in their care homes across the country.Andrew has teamed up with well-known cook Allyson Gofton to produce a number of recipes using the flavourless whey protein as an ingredient, and on the website there are recipes for family favourites such as scones, date loaf, and quiche.“We wanted to make it subtle so that you can add it to food and drink. Because the dietitians are big about food first. They don't want the person to be on milkshakes the rest of their life, they want them to be on soups, or something baked, or you can add it to cereal. Allyson Gofton's date loaf, made using McLeod Nutrition whey protein concentrate. Photo: SuppliedIt is also possible to “fortify” milk with extra protein. “You could shake up our product with milk, keep that in the fridge, and then as you have your cereal in the morning, or tea and coffee . . . you can add that protein.“It's not rocket science, but it's about being flexible and working with real food, rather than drop that real food and have a milkshake.”Andrew works closely with health professionals - dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists - “because I relate better to health professionals”.One of the dieticians he works with, Helen Gibbs, now comes to his Eden Street offices once a month for the public to book private consultations. She specialises in preparing patients for weight loss surgery, which ties in beautifully with what Andrew is trying to achieve with McLeod Nutrition.“When you have weight loss surgery, you can’t absorb protein too well, or a lot of nutrients very well, as your stomach has changed, so we think that bariatrics is a sort of an illness or a space where we want to help.”People with diabetes and sarcopenia (an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength), are also likely to benefit from McLeod Nutrition products, as well as those healing from surgery.“So they're quite serious illnesses, but they can all benefit from having good nutrition. It's not medicine, but actually nourishing them to help to heal from the inside.“Yeah, there's an underlying problem. It could be physical, it could be just age, it could be another illness, but we're helping to support them to be stronger, but you're not saying we're going to cure it, we're just supporting them.“Because sometimes people think, oh, if they put a dressing on it, or they use a cream, it'll heal, but if the person's malnourished, if they're actually missing things inside, they can't heal. They need those building blocks to help heal from the inside out.”It’s the same for pets, he explains. “Because a lot of people have got a loved one in their family who happens to be a dog or a cat. Sometimes it's the only family member they've got at home, you know, and they're very dear to them.” His products can aid animals with arthritis, skin and coat disorders, gut issues, and even anxiety.“During Covid a lot of us were working from home, our pets had us around a long time and then when we went back to work suddenly, they got anxious because they’re alone.“Anxiety in pets is a big deal.” Andrew’s goal is to create products that are “nutritious, delicious and clever”.“So, all the goodies - the protein, fibre, minerals, vitamins that you need, they should taste yum, because sometimes these things taste disgusting . . . and a dog definitely won't eat something that it doesn't like.”It is important to him that the products have some innovation, branding and “some uniqueness” to make them stand out.Andrew is the ideas man for McLeod Nutrition - and is happy to hand the production side over to those who do that best. “We're not a massive factory or warehouse, we're about idea generation and formulation development, and then about project management. So we work with contract manufacturers.”Ōamaru company Milligans Food Group is one of those manufacturers, and the other is Hansell’s Masterton. The products are packaged by a contractor in Auckland.“We don't want to have our own factory at the start, it doesn't make sense. You're better off to go with the experts where they are.” Once there is a factory, there are staff to worry about, and paying the bills.“I think as a new business starting up, you don't need all that angst.”So, the plan now is to grow the business, but not too quickly. He likens the process to building a fire.“You've got to get it all prepared, you've got to start with the little, little wins to grow it and grow it, and then you get the big factory, that can happen later on, but for now we're still with that early, early adoption. “So people that buy our stuff are innovative and confident and, you know, willing to give something a bit of a go.“I'd love to say we're making oodles of money and it's all, you know, wildly successful. We're still at that early stage.“Once it's on the menu for all the rest homes, then it just chugs along really nicely. You don't have to get that each, individual sale . . . So that's what we're doing right now. And we're just trying to grow it.”Andrew believes there is room for New Zealand to do a lot more exporting in the specialised nutrition space, and doesn’t know why it’s not happening.There is a tendency to export, for example, bags of milk powder, rather than something a little bit more specialised. When he was working with Douglas Pharmaceuticals, he learned there is a need for “nice, small volume, high value, specialised products”.Exporting is in sight for McLeod Nutrition, but not until the home market is well established, and it has a good reputation.“I think it's going to start growing quite rapidly now. A good year is about getting your credibility and your products developed and reassuring people, because it's not a low-risk proposition, it's people trusting us.”Andrew says the point of difference in his product’s success lies with his target market.“The whey protein you currently buy tends to be for gym junkies and people that are young and feel fit, not so much for the elderly or people that are ill.”It tends to be intensely flavoured and sweetened, and used predominantly in shakes.His flavourless and unsweetened whey protein is the only whey being supplied by Bidfood.“So that's a bit different, having it through food service, so that's, I suppose, the route to market. It's a bit different for us . . . and working closely with the dieticians, because they weren't really involved in it before.  “Working with the health professionals and explaining what it's about and they can see the results themselves with their patients, that's a bit different.“So it's not so much about the product, but about the support and the approach you're taking that's different.”His second product Prebiolax is soluble fibre that can be added into almost any liquid (except carbonated drinks) and it doesn’t change the texture, or create “a whole bunch of side effects” such as gas and bloating.“It’s a nice fibre . . . this one is actually remarkably straightforward. And we've got New Zealand kiwifruit in there as well to make it a little bit unique, and there's enzymes in kiwifruit that help with digestion.”McLeod Nutrition has other products under development as well.“But yeah, I think the uniqueness is working with those health professionals to figure out what they need, what their patients need, and then giving them that. “I'm quite excited about it.”In his first year of business, Andrew has learned a lot. He has learned patience, and to let things grow at their own rate, especially being based in Ōamaru, which he describes as “cautious” in comparison to Auckland.“You can’t force things.“It's more like, well, we can just wait, or think about that, or hold on to that, or see what other people think about that first. So that was probably the biggest learning. “It's not Auckland on a small scale, it's a different mentality. But that's also a good thing, because once you're in, there's a loyalty and a good connection.“It's stable rather than ‘sorry, you're out now’.”Another big learning was getting the dietitians on board right from the start. “In my previous role at Douglas Nutrition, we didn't really understand their thinking or their needs too well. Whereas now, I really do.“And they have a lot of power when it comes to menu development and decision making with their patients, whether they be corporate or individuals. So that was important to do work with them.“They are also quite cautious and conservative at first. So, you know, we are in a space where there's a high deal of trust and it's important to do it right.”Moving out of Auckland was another crucial piece of the success puzzle. “Selling up our house and having a nest egg to start the business and to just ride it out, to build things, that's important. “Cash flow for a new business is critical, right? That's why we didn't want to load it up with a whole bunch of overheads that we couldn't sustain. We wanted to just be sort of lean and nimble and patient. I don't think we could say that too much. If they had stayed in Auckland, the business would have been “part-time, on the side, half-hearted”, he says.“By quitting (his job) and going confidently and just devoting ourselves to it, you know it'll be successful.“It's not like, oh, we're just gonna bob both ways. This is it. This is what we're doing. This is what we have to do.”As a small business owner, every sale is celebrated. Working for Douglas, with a staff of 700, all doing something different, Andrew said it was harder to know how his work had an impact.He likens it to being on a big cruise liner, whereas now he’s rowing a dinghy.“When you get there, you get so excited because you made it. You've got a sale.” Family is another reason he and Rangi, who manages the office, are doing this. They want to build something that their children want to be involved in further down the track, and that is sustainable.“That's one thing too about Ōamaru, is you tend to have legacies being built here . . . That's something to be proud of.”

Couples* looking for a suitably romantic event to mark St Valentine's Say could do much worse than head to the Grainstore Gallery on Harbour Street this evening, where Italian harpist Adriano Sangineto will be performing a set of traditional and contemporary Italian music. "What could be more romantic?" asks Gallery owner Donna Demente. "Adriano is one third of the Ensemble Sangineto, who wowed us with their extraordinary show last year, an absolute highlight of our performances to date. This will be wonderful!"Sangineto's Creative Harp show plays with peoples' expectations of the Celtic harp, resulting in what Sangieto calls "a multisensory journey, intertwining rhythm, melody, and evocative motifs, guiding listeners through unanticipated sonic landscapes".It's a show he's taken all over the world, from Europe to the the United States, Australia, Russia and China, and it's a rare opportunity to watch someone who's graced the stage at many major Celtic harp festivals perform in an intimate venue.The show starts at 8pm, with doors open from 7.30pm. Tickets are $20 from Under the Radar or $25 at the door. Text to 0273666201 to reserve tickets.*singles also welcome.

The Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) is celebrating another year of exceeding expectations in the Waitaki.The programme, which supports young people into work and work placements, has surpassed its annual targets, and in less than 12 months.Between July 2021 and June 2022 MTFJ achieved 65 placements, well exceeding the target of 50.Out of those, 23 are apprenticeships. Between July 2023 and June 2024, MTFJ placed 45 young people in apprenticeships or employment in seven months – seven more than their twelve-month target.Seventeen different industries were involved including mechanics, electricians, hospitality, engineering, building, farm contracting, farming, butchering, panel beating and masonry.What makes the programme unique is it is run locally, not through Central Government. Funding has been provided from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), but local knowledge has been instrumental in planning and delivering the programme, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said.“The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is a fantastic example that local communities can often find local solutions to local problems. “The government can learn from this and get much better outcomes for our youth and our employers by devolving responsibilities and funding to local communities. By working with Waitaki’s high schools, our youth who aren’t in education or employment, and employers, we are ensuring our young people get the best start to their working lives.”Sandra Familton of Workbridge and the MTFJ said the MTFJ is a valued link from schools to local employers, “working with the young people one on one and giving the pastoral care once they are in work for however long they need it”.MTJF coordinator Eugen Dupu, also of Legacy Youth, said the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is probably the best example of the initiative’s success.“Each person coming in touch with us gets an individualised work plan, which could involve family, business owner, employer, MSD and often other agencies related to their needs. The pastoral care element of the programme is benefiting both employers and job seekers.”The mayor visited Network Waitaki on Friday to catch up with one of the MTFJ supported apprentices Trent Woodford.Network Waitaki field operation manager Nathan Cunningham said the scheme suggested to them people who might be a good fit for Network Waitaki.“Trent came through, and we saw the potential in him. He went into a trade assistant role, and is now an apprentice line mechanic. “He’s about halfway through his time here to become fully qualified. Our apprentices have a nine-week training course at our depot, showing them how to work the bucket and line trucks, change equipment on poles, and work at heights. It’s great to work with young people, and see them gain experience and confidence to use in the field,” Nathan said.Trent said he put his name forward when MTJF came to Waitaki Boys’ High School, and the organisation helped with his curriculum vitae and driver’s licence.“That led me to Network Waitaki. I’m now halfway through my apprenticeship and things are going okay. I’m hoping to go as far as I can, get qualified as a line mechanic and possibly become a live line line mechanic beyond that.”With the success of the programme, the Waitaki team will be seeking further funding to expand it even further and provide more opportunities for work in the district to those entering the workforce for the first time.In the next few weeks, Gary plans to visit Brad Williamson Racing and Riverstone Kitchen to catch up with employers, and MTFJ workers and apprenticeships in the next few weeks.Trent Woodford takes the mayor up in the bucket lift at Network Waitaki's training centre. Photo: Supplied

“Are you being served?” is the question being asked by Otago Regional Council (ORC) with an online survey.The ORC is seeking feedback on whether people feel they have fair and effective representation at the regional council table.Council chair Gretchen Robertson said the survey is the first step in a representation review which councils are required to do every six years under the Local Electoral Act.“The review will look at changes to population and any flow-on impact on representation,” she said.Population, communities of interest, the number of wards and ward boundaries, as well as the number and distribution of elected members, will all be considered before any potential changes are contemplated.These will then be part of an initial proposal to be decided on by the council by the middle of the year, before it is put to the public for consultation.“This review will need to look at areas like the wider Dunstan area (Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago), where population growth means current representation may not be enough to meet legal requirements,” Gretchen said.Council will make a decision on its initial representation proposal by May and submissions will be called for following that.Every six years councils must review how communities are represented in their makeup.The review looks at the structures in place, including the number of constituencies and their boundaries, and the number of elected members representing each constituency.The representation review cannot change the people who are currently elected, but it may increase the number of councillors. Fourteen is the maximum number of councillors a regional council can have. Otago has 12.The last representation review for Otago Regional Council was completed in 2018. Back then no changes were made to the existing four constituencies or number of councillors elected - three in Dunstan, one in Moeraki, two for Molyneux, and six in Dunedin.Representation reviews require the council to look at three key concepts Communities of interest: to identify what communities of interest exist across the district, to help determine the number and boundaries of constituencies.Effective representation of communities of interest: to identify the best structure to maintain access and representation, recognising these communities of interest, which is relevant to determining the number of members.Fair representation of electors: to ensure each councillor represents roughly the same number of people, which is relevant for ensuring equality of representation per member.The survey is online at the Otago Regional Council website.Council is expected to make a decision on an initial representation proposal by May 2024, to then be put to the public for submissions.The survey opened on February 9 and runs for a month.